Methven

Ski Methven New Zealand

Methven is a quaint little country town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. Sometimes referred to as Mt Hutt Village, Methven New Zealand is an ideal base for skiing at Mt Hutt which is only 30 minutes away.

Where is Methven NZ?

Methven is located 94km west of Christchurch and just over an hour drive from the Christchurch International Airport, so it’s very accessible.

Methven Accommodation

There is no shortage of accommodation in Methven NZ and every 2nd house seems to be a B&B, lodge or backpackers. Prices for Methven accommodation are incredibly low, so the town is a great place for a good value ski holiday. Go to our Methven accommodation page where you can view properties and compare rates, check availability and book online.

Methven Ski Fields

Most visitors to Methven will be very happy just skiing or snowboarding at Mt Hutt, but those looking for an adventure or in the event that Mt Hutt becomes “Mt Shut”, there is a smorgasbord of other Methven skiing options within 1.5 hours drive of town.

Some of the NZ ski club fields in the Canterbury Highlands are absolute gems for adventurous skiers and boarders, and a fabulous way to explore the skiwi culture! Craigieburn Ski Field, Broken River and Mt Olympus are best suited to advanced and expert riders with good fitness and spirit. Approximate drive times from Methven are:

Porters (approx 1:15 hours from Methven) is a small commercial ski field that has terrain for all ability levels including beginners, and it is very family focused. Unlike most of the Canterbury club fields that have nutcracker ropetows, Porters is serviced by a chair lift and T-bars which are much less intimidating for those who've never used a nutcracker.

Mt Cheeseman (about 1 hour to 1:15 away) is also very family friendly, has terrain for all abilities, and has T-bars instead of nutcrackers.

Methven Heli SkiingThe Methven area is also a centre for New Zealand heli skiing, and like elsewhere in NZ, the heli skiing costs a fraction of what it does elsewhere in the world. Heli skiing is an amazing experience for those who love skiing or boarding untracked snow, phenomenal scenery, and a great adventure. Methven Heli Ski is the primary operator in the area. Their steep terrain is particularly well geared to advanced to expert skiers & boarders.

Methven Bars and Nightlife

Methven NZ is not a crazy ‘party town’ like Queenstown. There is definitely nightlife, albeit somewhat mellow. There is a good selection of Methven restaurants and bars, and a couple of pubs. If the foul weather sets in, there’s potential you might spend a bit of time at the Brown or Blue Pub!

Non-Skiing Methven Activities

Considering there is a reasonable chance that the ski areas and heli skiing will be closed for at least one day during your stay, you will need to keep your itinerary flexible. Bring a book (and an umbrella) and plan for other things to do on your “rest day”. Non-skiing activities around Methven New Zealand include jet boating in the Rakaia Gorge and playing golf on the picturesque golf courses.

Ski Methven: Summary of Pros & Cons

Pros

A Methven ski holiday provides much better value for money than Queenstown or Wanaka. In particular, the Methven accommodation is where you’ll make big savings.

For those flying into New Zealand from across the ditch, flights into Christchurch are reasonably inexpensive, especially when compared to flights into Queenstown.

The positives of the town are what Methven doesn’t have – no crowds, no touristy hype, no attitude, and no pressure.

Tours That May Include Methven

From price based on multi-share "lift only" package.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 1,128
USD 1,128

To be eligible for any advertised specials you must book & pay the required deposit by the last day of the promotion...no exceptions. Conditions apply...please enquire for an accurate quote.

Book this trip by Aug 31 & get 5% off the full price. Discounted price displayed.

Ability:Beginner to Advanced

This 7 day adventure is ideal for the young at heart who want to pack in as much skiing or snowboarding and fun as possible into a single week. You will visit up to 6 of NZ's great ski areas with professional guides who will get you to the best skiing/snowboarding in each of the locations.

From price based on twin-share (group of 4).
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 1,055

Ability:Strong Intermediate to Expert

Wanting a MAXIMUM ski or snowboard adventure in NZ this year? This FULLY CUSTOMISABLE tour (from 2 nights) might be just the ticket! Based in Methven or Castle Hill, you will chase the best snow each day at Mt Olympus, Craigieburn, Broken River & Mt Cheeseman with an expert local guide, 4 X 4 & driver.

From price based on 3 nights / 2 days skiing twin-share (per person).Base/invoice currency is inc NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 1,254

Ability:Intermediate to Expert

Ski at some of NZ's hidden gems with experts who have an intimate knowledge of the terrain & local areas and sit back and enjoy great in-chalet hospitality every day. Just turn up and, have fun and then leave; everything else is catered for!

From price based on 5 nights twin/double-share deluxe lodging with meals & open bar including return airport transfers.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 1,122

Ability:Strong Intermediate to Expert

This FULLY CUSTOMISABLE deluxe package is available from 2 days or more (however the example package is based on 4 nights deluxe lodging, all ground transport, all gourmet meals, open bar...and you can add what you need as you go.

From price based on 6 nights twin/double-share inc. 2 days heli + 3 days guided club fields.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 3,432

Ability:Strong Intermediate to Expert

This FULLY CUSTOMISABLE deluxe package is available from 2 days or more (however the example package is based on 2 days heli + 3 days guided club field days + 6 nights deluxe lodging, all gound transport, all gourmet meals, open bar...

From price based on PERFECT 5-run day.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 716

Ability:Intermediate to Expert

Methven Heliski is one of New Zealand's premier heli ski companies offering what many would agree is NZ's best heli skiing terrain. Don't just take it from us, book a day or more and experience it for yourself!

From price based on 4 nights twin/double-share inc. 3 days heli.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.

Price p/p

USD 2,838

Ability:Strong Intermediate to Expert

This FULLY CUSTOMISABLE deluxe package is available from 2 days or more. Everything is taken care of for you from the time you arrive at Christchurch airport to the time you depart; deluxe lodging, gourmet meals, all ground transport....